Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur the collaborators are his.
Educated job seekers today are not just looking for a random place to land. They are looking for a job in a company where they can collaborate and belong.
According to research by the Groundswell Corporate Grants Platform, two-thirds of employees examine potential employers based on the alignment of values. They want a deeper connection to the brand that supports their work, a sense of purpose in exchange for a salary. And they are not shy about changing their organization to work for a company with a cause they can believe in.
As a business owner, you may see this change as a threat or an opportunity. On the one hand, the people you hire keep you at a much higher level. Alternatively, you can use what you know about applicants to find employees to help your company differentiate and grow.
If you prefer to view the “purpose-oriented employee movement” as an advantage, consider implementing the following strategies.
Communicate the purpose
Forget about having only mission and vision statements. You should have a statement of purpose if you plan to attract job seekers with related ideas. Gartner reports suggest that 52% of people have rethought their life goals since the events of 2020 shook the world. Consequently, yours The goal should be to communicate and announce a purpose that we hope will connect you with people who might stay for a while.
Remember that your purpose should explain why you are in business, but not too complex. The simpler, the better, as the motto of the Kroger grocery store: “To feed the human spirit.” It’s as simple as it gets, but the words evoke an emotional connection. The same can be said of Campbell’s, “connecting people through the food they love.”
Once you’ve decided on a statement, address it through your messages. Let me guide your social media posts and applicable advertising. Add it to your job descriptions. Talk about it in the videos. This way, job seekers will feel it and be able to determine immediately whether they should click “submit” or not.
Related: Develop the purpose and the benefits will flow
Empower employees to contribute
To establish a dynamic corporate culture with at least one cause at its core, keep channels of communication open with employees. Submit surveys for ideas and insights. Arrange for workers to sit on culture committees so they can make recommendations to improve your workplace. Take all comments seriously and be open to troubleshooting when needed.
For Gallup, only one in five workers is hired. Letting employees have the purpose of your brand and helping them direct their experiences can improve engagement levels. Candidates will be able to see this genuine involvement during the final interviews, assuring them that your company fits the purpose well, both in person and on paper.
Related: Employee feedback: our most important asset in the war on talent
Collaboration with partners
From vendors to corporate partnerships, choose your relationships according to your stated purpose. For example, if your goal is to promote sustainability, be careful when choosing a vendor that is questionably green.
It’s easier than ever for potential employees to check your supply chain, your working conditions, and your brand reputation. Therefore, you need to make sure that you are not sending mixed messages, so that you can be sure that the applicants are examining you from all angles.
The Vaseline Cure Project is an excellent example of a purpose-oriented association with a winning outcome. Vaseline and Direct Relief, a non-profit humanitarian organization, work together to provide basic healing supplies to people affected by natural disasters. The collaboration generates a platform to showcase the purpose of the two entities in action for the world, including candidates looking for cause-driven companies.
Thanks to the Great Resignation, many millions of innovative and knowledgeable workers are resigning. Because? They would rather work with companies where they feel more valued and can be themselves. Make sure you are putting your purpose ahead to drive some of these qualified applicants into your recruitment channel. Once your team is aligned, you can push your head toward your most ambitious goals.
Related: 3 Reasons Why Purpose-Oriented Businesses Can Help You Find Better Hires, Mentors, and Investors